The former nursery building has been replaced with a new two-classroom nursery unit to accommodate both English and Gaelic Medium children along with additional parking and drop-off areas. 

The new building is registered for up to 28 children and will support the delivery of the increased entitlement of 1,140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) per year.

The project was delivered by the Highland Council’s in-house Property teams with James MacQueen Building Contractors Ltd. as the principal contractor.

A total of 71 construction projects have now been completed as part of the ELC expansion programme, many of which also included other essential improvements to school buildings.

Katie Wight, head teacher for the setting, said: “Since moving into our new purpose-built building in December, our learners have been thoroughly enjoying the new space and all the opportunities it brings in supporting their learning. This is a wonderful asset to our school community, and we are looking forward to developing and making it our own in the months and years to come. I would like to thank MacQueen’s for their excellent work and their generosity in building an outdoor shelter in our woodland for our learners to enjoy.”

Education chair, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “I am delighted that the children and staff at Bun-Sgoil Shlèite are settling in and enjoying their new nursery. Moving into a brand new and modern learning space is a fantastic start to the new year for the school community and the wider community and I am sure the space will continue to be a great asset to the school and local community for years to come. I am also pleased that the building work on this exciting project was undertaken by a local company, MacQueen Builders which again supported both the economy and employment on the island.”

Housing and property chair, Cllr Laurie Fraser, said: “We are making encouraging progress in developing our large school estate in Highland and it is fantastic news when our projects reach completion and can be enjoyed by the local community. The completion of the new nursery unit at Bun-Sgoil Shlèite is also enabling the expanded Early Learning and Childcare service to be delivered in modern, fit for purpose accommodation.”

James MacQueen Building Contractors together with R.HOUSE have gifted an additional building to Bun-Sgoil Shlèite. JMQB has been the main contractor for the Highland Council, building a new nursery in Sleat. The building, designed by Rural Design, will allow the nursery and primary children to play and learn outside in all weathers. 

James MacQueen, MD for JMQB, said: “We are delighted to have completed this important local project together with Highland Council, delivering this much needed, purpose-built nursery for the children and staff of Bun-Sgoil Shlèite. We are deeply proud to be able to support our local community and thrilled that the children and teachers are already enjoying and benefiting from their new space.

“To further support the Bun-Sgoil Shlèite community, we have gifted an additional building, designed by R.HOUSE, which will be an outdoor learning structure where the children can connect to their environment and have a space to gather, shelter and play together outdoors in all weathers, which is essential on Skye!”